Medicare Advantage at UCSF Medical Center.
Which Medicare Advantage plans work with UCSF, how Medigap and Original Medicare access compares, and our advisor's tips on choosing a plan that keeps your UCSF providers in-network.
About UCSF Medical Center
Founded in 1864 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, UCSF operates across California. Top 10 nationally; Top 5 in diabetes, neurology, and cancer, with national strength in cancer, cardiology, neurology, neurosurgery, and women's health.
Medicare Advantage carriers that contract with UCSF
Blue Shield of CA, Anthem Blue Cross, Humana, UnitedHealthcare/AARP, Aetna, Health Net, Brown & Toland.
UCSF is in-network with most Bay Area Medicare Advantage plans. Some UCSF specialists are accessible through specific physician group affiliations within MA plans.
Original Medicare with Medigap = full UCSF access
If keeping UCSF in-network is non-negotiable, the simplest path is Original Medicare (Parts A and B) plus a Medigap plan plus a standalone Part D plan. Medigap plans don't have networks — they pay out-of-pocket costs at any provider that accepts Medicare.
UCSF accepts Medicare. So: Original Medicare + Medigap means you can see any UCSF doctor, in any UCSF hospital, with no referrals or pre-authorizations.
The trade-off: Medigap costs $100-$250/month (versus often $0 for Medicare Advantage), and standalone Part D adds $15-$70/month. But you get total provider freedom and predictable out-of-pocket costs.
How to verify your UCSF doctor is in your Medicare Advantage plan
- Call the plan member services line with your doctor's full name and NPI number. Ask: "Is Dr. [Name], NPI [#####], in-network for [plan name] for 2027?"
- Check the plan's online provider directory. Search by full name. Verify the address matches your UCSF location.
- Call your UCSF doctor's office. Ask the receptionist which Medicare Advantage plans they accept. Verify both that the practice is in-network and that the specific physician is in-network — they're sometimes different.
- If you have specialists, repeat for each one. Network status varies physician-by-physician within the same hospital system.
Free 14-minute Medicare review.
A licensed advisor reviews your specific UCSF providers, your prescriptions, and finds the Medicare Advantage or Medigap option that keeps your care in-network. Free, no obligation.
Call (866) 534-1886Or request a callback · Mon–Fri 8a-8p ET, Sat 9a-2p ET